Congestin
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Congestin (actino-congestin) is the active principle of an extract from actiniae, isolated by Richet and used in experimental work in the field of allergy. It is a light-green, water-soluble powder that gives protein reactions and is extremely toxic.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Congestin (actino-congestin), the active principle of an extract from actiniae; isolated by Richet and used by him in experimental work in the field of allergy. Congestin is a light-green, water-soluble powder that gives protein reactions, is extremely toxic; it causes in animals intense hyperemia with hemorrhages in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Heating to 100-105° reduces the toxicity of C. by 3-4 times, but under these conditions its ability to cause increased sensitivity in animals does not change. According to Richet, the protein of actiniae represents a complex antigen and consists of a sensitized protein and an immunizing toxin.
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“Congestin.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/congestin/